About the Program

The online Bachelor of Arts in Science Education is designed for Para Educators and Long-Term Substitutes working with students at the middle level who wish to obtain licensure in science at the 5th-8th grade levels. 

Teacher Apprentice Program™ (TAP) is built around the philosophy of an "inverted curriculum," meaning many of the "professional" courses are at the front end of the program to focus on heightening the skills of Para Educators and Long-Term Substitutes in their current position. The goal is to increase your success in the classroom from the beginning and then build on those strengths as you matriculate through the program. You will earn college credit for your experience as a Para Educator or Long-Term Substitute every semester which will apply toward your degree. You will not have to quit work in order to complete this degree. 

Here's how it works

Choose from two pathways.

State program pathway

  • After graduation, you'll apply to be an apprentice in your home school district for the following school year.
  • Once school starts, you'll begin work as a paid apprentice. We'll assign you a mentor teacher who will guide you in your practice.
  • In August, you'll begin taking courses at Wichita State while working as an apprentice.

Individual pathway

  • Apply for an apprenticeship in the district of your choice.
  • Once you're hired, apply to the Teacher Apprentice Program™ at Wichita State.
  • Once school starts, we'll assign you a mentor teacher who will guide you in your practice.
  • In August, you'll begin taking courses at Wichita State while working as an apprentice.